2012 mazda mazda3 Model Overview

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The 2012 Mazda3 sedan and five-door hatchback have been refreshed, meaning exterior and interior tweaks plus a new engine for this sporty compact. For 2012, the 3 gains an all-new engine choice. The SkyActiv 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine features direct-injection, allowing for a relatively high 12.0:1 compression ratio. The new engine can be mated to all-new six-speed transmissions (manual and automatic) that work to increase fuel mileage over the MZR engine family. The new powertrain combinations are good for an EPA estimated 27-28 mpg city and 38-40 mpg highway.

The current Mazda3 receives minor interior and exterior revisions in its third year. Inside the Mazda3 sports a black dashboard and center stack with silver trim surrounding commonly used features. The outside still uses Mazda’s hate-it-or-love-it styling with its prominent “smiling” front end and deep, flowing creases on its flanks, but the exterior gains revised headlights, revised grille and air intakes, and revised rear valance panel for 2012.

The cabin is spacious for four adults or five on a short trip. Base models come with a long list of standard amenities like power windows and locks, air conditioning, front bucket seats, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers. Bose audio, heated (front) leather seats, navigation, and a blind spot monitoring system are available on certain trim levels.

The big news for Mazda’s compact 3 sedan and hatchback is the all-new 155-horsepower 2.0-liter SkyActiv inline four-cylinder featuring direct-injection and can be mated to a choice of all-new six-speed transmissions. Cars powered by the SkyActiv 2.0-liter mated to the manual transmissions are capable of 38-39 mpg highway; automatic equipped cars are capable of 39-40 mpg highway. Interiors and exteriors have been refreshed. Exterior upgrades include new headlights, revised grille and air intakes, and revised rear valance panel. A blind-spot monitoring system is also available.

The Mazda3 was completely redesigned in 2010. For 2012, the sedan and five-door hatchback has been refreshed.. The 2012 models gain a few updates including new headlights, revised grille and air intakes, and revised rear valance panel. There are also new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs.

The instrument panel and center stack is now black with silver-colored, satin polished details including the outer rings of the climate-control dials, center stack vents, and audio control panel. Mazda said the silver accents on black background give the Mazda3 “a feeling of higher refinement” as well as making frequently used options easier to find. The Mazda3’s multi-function display and LCD display replace last year’s red text and graphics with white. The Mazda3 comes well-equipped with plenty of storage bins, two 12-volt outlets, rear heater ducts, power windows and locks, and 60/40 folding rear seat. Leather and navigation are optional. An optional blind-spot monitoring system is new for 2012.

Both the 2.0-liter (148 horsepower, 135 pound-feet of torque) and 2.5-liter (167 horsepower, 168 pound-feet of torque) four-cylinder engines remain unchanged. Both engines come with variable valve timing and a two-mode composite intake manifold. New for 2012 is the SkyActiv 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The new engine features direct-injection and a high 12.0:1 compression ratio which work together to produce 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be mated to new specially-developed six-speed transmissions. The manual and automatic transmissions help the engine achieve 27-28 mpg city and 38-40 mpg highway. The SkyActiv 2.0-liter is smooth and silky all the way to redline. The second-generation chassis feels buttoned down thanks to higher tensile steel, thicker gauge metals, and extra gussets.

Six airbags are standard and include: driver and front passenger, front side impact, and side curtain. Active front head restraints to help reduce neck injuries if the car is rear ended. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist are all standard. Adaptive Front-lighting System is available as part of a Technology Package on Grand Touring models. An optional blind-spot monitoring system is new for 2012.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$15,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$9,325

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

2012 Mazda Mazda3 News and Reviews

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